Study: Hot Chili Peppers Aid Weight Loss

According to new research, the spicy ingredient increases calorie expenditure when consumed as part of a low-calorie diet. Researchers at the University of California have discovered some exciting news about the humble chili pepper. Not only does it work wonders in our food, it can work miracles on our waistlines too.

According to the study, including capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) as part of a low-calorie diet increases fat oxidation, therefore pushing the body to use stored fat as fuel, reports Britain's The Telegraph. The results were so conclusive, those who were given the chili component as part of their 28-day liquid
diet, burned almost twice as many calories as the placebo group. As Paris Hilton would say: That's hot!"

And there's good news for those who don't like the burn of the fiery little fruit. As part of their research, the team, led by Dr. David Heber, discovered a similar effect in certain plants, which contain a non-burning version of capsaicin called dihydrocapsiate (DCT) giving us all the benefits of the
pepper without the fiery aftertaste.

With health benefits including aiding digestion, fighting cancer and protecting your heart, (oh and did we mention fighting terrorism?) it looks like the chili pepper is climbing its way to super food stardom.

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